autoimmuunisuutta

Autoimmuunisuutta, known in English as autoimmunity, refers to a condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells, tissues, and organs. Normally, the immune system distinguishes between foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses and the body's own components. In autoimmunity, this distinction fails, leading to an immune response directed against self. The exact triggers for autoimmunity are not fully understood but are believed to involve a complex interplay of genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as infections, certain medications, or lifestyle influences. The consequences of this self-attack vary widely depending on which part of the body is targeted. Symptoms can range from chronic inflammation and pain to organ damage and dysfunction. Examples of autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Diagnosis often involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, blood tests to detect specific autoantibodies, and sometimes imaging or tissue biopsies. While there is currently no cure for most autoimmune diseases, treatments focus on managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, and suppressing the overactive immune response to prevent further damage.